Stourbridge vs Harrogate

Their 0-7 half time lead was a poor reflection of their superiority. Stourbridge rallied in the 3rd quarter, with some quality back play, to go 18-7 ahead but it was all Harrogate thereafter and, although Oli Rossillo’s late try gave them a losing bonus point, it was scant reward for an outstanding team effort. After the game, the Stourbridge officials readily conceded that they had been very lucky to steal the win.

From the kick-off, a strong Tim Heaton aerial take set up a Harrogate counter attack with powerful forward drives producing good ball for half backs, Danny Matthews and Dicky Davies, to launch a succession of skilful backs attacks. Sustained forward pressure on the Stourbridge line eventually led to Jonny Coser touching down for a try converted by Charlie Morgan.

The forward pressure continued and Rossillo gathered a well placed Davies chip at pace but was forced into touch just short of the line. Harrogate’s pack was now absolutely dominant and camped out on the Stourbridge line. Desperate home defence conceded a string of penalties and most spectators expected a yellow card to be awarded long before hooker, Jack Lea was eventually sent to the bin. The front row of Connor Ward, Steve Maycock and Ben Reaveley had Stourbridge “on toast”. Sam Brady had a towering game in the 2nd Row, with his brother Jake as inspirationally effective as ever. Dynamic back row play from the Coser brothers and Heaton kept up the pressure but the Stourbridge defence held out and somehow managed to escape a penalty try being awarded. In the last move of the half, a narrowly missed penalty kick at goal, kept the score at 0-7.

A fired up Stourbridge came out of their blocks from the restart and came more into the game. Fly half, Luke White opened their account with a well taken penalty and the game became a real contest. Stourbridge then counter attacked from deep and excellent back play found full back Rod Petty in support to score. A Harrogate defensive drive was then penalised for holding and White’s kick put Stourbridge 11-7 ahead.

This was now an even contest and Harrogate’s backs seemed equal to the task against their talented opposition. White’s line kicking tested Harrogate but Morgan set up counter attacks from deep and Alex Nesbitt impressed in attack and defence. Rossillo and Harry Barnard ran at every opportunity and replacement fly half, Luke Riddell showed some nice attacking touches.

Harrogate then knocked on in attack and White gathered the loose ball to put in a towering clearing kick which turned defence into attack. Winger, Joe Bridger supported the move to score a converted try which made it 18-7. Harrogate immediately responded with sustained attacks forcing the home defence to concede penalties and a second yellow card. Despite narrowly missed Harrogate penalty attempts, they continued to attack and quickly spread ball led to Rosillo out pacing the defence for the game’s final score in the corner.

Stourbridge: Petty, Bridger, Heatley, Otutaha, Elvers, White, Tibbetts, Harrison, Lea, Thorne, Depper, Murphy, Mukarati, Carpenter, Moore. Subs:- Thorpe, Wilkes, Harding, Easton, Hurrell

Harrogate: Morgan, Barnard, Nesbitt, Minikin, Rossillo, Davies, Matthews, Ward, Maycock, Reaveley, J Brady,
S Brady, J Coser, G Coser, Heaton. Subs:- Yorke, Dennis, Enslin, Riddell, Hebblethwaite.

Referee: Chris Bennett (RFU)

Match report by Bill Barrack